At their one-man live at Akasaka BLITZ, LEZARD announced the release of their first full length album, Tokagetchu, on July 15. The album consists of six brand new tracks written exclusively for this album and will release in two versions: Iiko version and Waruiko version. Iiko version comes with a DVD with the PV, offshot, and 9 caligraphy videos while the Waruiko version comes with two additional original songs plus 5 bonus tracks of previously released singles.

Another cool new release that I’m super excited for, Litchi Hikari Club‘s Jesus Christ Hyperstar is slated for a July 29 release. It will appear in two versions, one with a DVD and the other CD only. The tracklisting hasn’t been revealed yet, but I’m sure it will be awesome. And check out that Hakuei. Geesh.

A couple of cool release announcements via YouTube this weekend, starting with Nihilizm. Their latest full length album, aguere, releases October 28. They also announced a commemorative tour consisting of four shows, the final being held on November 25 at Takadanobaba AREA. Check the homepage for venues and details.

I’ll just go ahead and plug my ears in preparation for all the screaming associated with this one. The Gazette has finally released details on the first movement of their Project: Dark Age, DOGMA. The album will, of course, come in a massive three disk edition which includes a 14 track CD and two DVDs containing the PV for the title track and DEUX, documentary and making of footage. The album drops August 26 and that big version comes in at a whopping 10,800yen, so save your pennies, folks.

On the tour front, we have MIYAVI with a European tour commemorating his latest release, The Others. The tour starts September 27 in London, includes 12 stops, and ends in Helsinki, Finland on October 16. I’m really hoping this evolves into a more inclusive world tour. Check the homepage for venues and ticketing information.

VAMPS will also be gracing Europe this fall as they join Apocolyptica on their Shadowmaker tour. The tour starts November 24 and includes 6 stops throughout the UK. Check the OHP for ticketing information.

Unfortunately, we just can’t get through a week without a couple of sucks. This week, we start with the disbandment of BLITZ. The group will disband after their performance on November 7 at Shinjuku BLAZE. Though no real reason has been given, you can find the groups individual comments over at their OHP. They have a ton of lives left before the end, so be sure to continue supporting them until the last.

Next is the sudden and quick disbandment of Escapism. Just announced, the group will call it quits after their upcoming live this Thursday at Holiday Shinjuku. In their official statement, they cite musical differences as the reasoning and assure you there is no ill will amongst the members. I’m sure fans of Escapism will feel a little blindsided by this news, but we wish them all the best and hope to see the members again in future projects.

Here’s a New Band Alert that had me squealing. Dir en grey guitarist, Die, has jumped on the bandwagon and started a solo project called DECAYS. There’s not a whole lot of information on it yet, but he does already have a handful of shows scheduled in July and August with Sukekiyo and FAKE?. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on any future developments.

LOST ASH has just announced a three month FREE one-man concert series. That’s not a typo. “Get to Know LOST ASH” will take place September 19, October 17 and November 21 at Shibuya REX. Entrance is totally free. No gimmicks. Well, except for that pesky drink fee. No getting around that, I’m afraid.

Old-school rockers BUCK TICK have announced their fall tour which will take them all over Japan through the month of November, ending at Zepp Tokyo on December 14. They will be touring behind their most recent release, Arui wa Anarchy, which is (warning: f-bomb ahead) FUCKING amazing, by the way. If you are in Japan during this time, I highly recommend you see this show. And, I also hate you. A lot.

Girl group Gacharic Spin just announced their major label debut with the release of their album titled “Gachatto BEST 2010-2014” on October 1. They announced via Nico Nico live on July 24th that they will be releasing their next album via Victor Records. That’s exciting news for these girls and we wish them the best of luck!

I’ll wind up this Quickie with three very cool upcoming releases, starting with:

Litchi Hikari Club. In case you aren’t familiar, Lichi Hikari Club is a concept band based on the manga of the same name fronted by Penicillin frontman Hakuei. Their new mini-album, Kikikaikai, is slated to release August 13 and will be available in three types. This band is very cool and I have thoroughly enjoyed everything they’ve released so far, so I’m really looking forward to this.

Speaking of Penicillin, they have a new single coming out, too! It is as yet untitled and details are limited, but I can tell you it will be released in three types, with two songs each, and is scheduled for September 10. Pre-order here!

Also releasing September 10 is Miyavi’s new single. No tile yet on this one, either, but you can expect three songs coming in around 1300 yen. Miyavi has been known to change up his style on the fly and the past couple of years have seen him go from bare-bones guitar and drums numbers to dj-infused electronic tracks to straight up R&B, so I’m really curious to see where he goes with this one. Disco, maybe?